Everything you need to know entering Week 2 of the NFL season

September 12, 2024
Week 2 is officially underway, with massive on- and off-field headlines dominating the gridiron. Here’s what to know about the series of unfortunate events that have kicked off the NFL season.
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Everything you need to know entering Week 2 of the NFL seasonEverything you need to know entering Week 2 of the NFL season
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Content warning: This section contains mention of sexual assault and misconduct.

The GIST: Week 2 is officially underway, with massive on- and off-field headlines dominating the gridiron. Here’s what to know about the series of unfortunate events that have kicked off the NFL season.

Miami Dolphins quarterback (QB) Tua Tagovailoa sustains concussion during Thursday Night Football: Miami’s 31–10 loss to the Buffalo Bills was overshadowed by the horrifying third quarter injury. Tagovailoa, who has a history of head injuries, was ruled out for the remainder of the game just six minutes after leaving the field.

  • Though Tagovailoa started every game last season, he missed extensive time in 2022 with multiple concussions, one of which saw him leave the field in an ambulance.
  • Football head injuries remain an epidemic and, though the NFL updated their concussion protocols as a result of Tagovailoa’s 2022 injuries, last night’s events will undoubtedly bring the issue front and center again.

Concerns surrounding Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s wrist: Emotional support water bottle meet controversy-stirring water bottle. Fresh off a surprising season-opening loss, all eyes are on Joe Cool’s lingering wrist injury ahead of Sunday’s 4:25 p.m. ET showdown with QB Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

  • Burrow is the only active QB with three career wins against Mahomes (he’s 3-1), but the Bengals struggled mightily in Week 1 while KC took care of business. Expect another instant classic with these signal callers under center.

Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson will play despite sexual assault allegation: Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said the QB will start when they face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, even amid a recent sexual assault and battery allegation that’s notably unrelated to the 26 prior civil sexual misconduct suits against him. Ridiculous.